We live in a world where everything is judged by its monetary value. We even judge people according to their job status and treat them differently because of the salary they make. In James chapter 2 we will look at how we are to treat others and where our focus should be.
James 2:5-7 “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?”
The emphasis in verse five is of God’s choosing. His choosing shows us his grace, a grace that is promised to those that love him. It doesn’t matter if they are rich or poor. In fact, James wants to show that the rich had no special claim on the favor of God. Even though it seems as if Jesus was favoring the poor, just because they were poor, but that was not the case. The difference comes because the circumstances and conditions of the poor make it more likely that they will embrace the offers of the gospel. Because of their poor status, they have had to endure situations that teach them humility. They understand the free gift of salvation. They “get it” when you talk about getting something you don’t deserve. God’s grace is just that, God’s riches at Christ expense.”
The rich person has a harder time grasping the concept of humility. They can’t embrace grace because they have always bought or earned everything they have. The Grace of God makes the rich, poor because they cannot depend on their wealth, and it makes the poor, rich because he inherits the riches of God.
It’s funny how we sin in this area. We are so easily impressed by those who have wealth or fame. We listen to what they say and treat them like gold. We may say “we would never do that,” but we do it in subtle ways. How many times have you passed up someone in need because you didn’t feel you have the money to help? Yet, we go home and order high price tickets to see our favorite athlete. Is that not a way of showing favoritism?
We also need to remember that “rich” and “poor” are relative terms. In America, our “poor” would be considered “rich,” in many countries around the world. Those who have chosen Christ in this world are truly the rich, no matter what their financial status they have a great inheritance. They will be rich forever.
On the flip side, there are those in this world that have enough money to buy anything they want. They use their money to influence people and gain respect. They give generously to those in need and support many good causes, yet they will one day be poor forever. They have never surrendered to Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They may go to church and seem like a real Christian, but they have lived that life with Jesus, plus their wealth. However, the Bible makes it clear that we can depend on nothing, but Jesus alone! They will be like those in Matthew 7 where Jesus makes the final pronouncement of the righteous.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
